PANAJI
The North Goa District Mineral Foundation Trust (NGDMFT) has accorded in-principle approval to undertake small-scale development projects worth up to Rs 40 lakh across revenue villages affected by mining of minor mineral in the district, using funds collected from quarrying leases and permits.
On priority, the projects will focus on strengthening educational infrastructure in mining-affected villages, with the trust considering interventions such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) lab kits, laboratory upgrades, information technology infrastructure and sports kits for educational institutions.
Sources informed that the NGDMFT Governing Council was briefed on the inflow of fresh funds collected from minor mineral quarries and leases in North Goa. Following this, the chairperson directed the Project Management Unit (PMU) to identify educational institutions in villages affected by minor mineral mining and, in consultation with the Directorate of Education (DoE), shortlist suitable projects for implementation.
“The PMU has also been instructed to obtain the requisite fund-related data from the NGDMFT Secretariat and the Directorate of Mines and Geology (DMG) before identifying projects for consideration,” sources said.
The proposed projects will be taken up within the approved ceiling of Rs 40 lakh across the concerned revenue villages, with the PMU tasked with identifying suitable interventions based on available funds and local requirements.
The move seeks to channel funds generated through minor mineral extraction towards addressing local infrastructure and educational needs in areas bearing the impact of quarrying activities.
Under the Goa Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1985, holders of quarrying leases, quarrying permits and sand permits are required to contribute an amount equivalent to five per cent of the royalty payable towards the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) of the district where mining operations are carried out.
The DMG had amended the rules in October 2022 to extend the DMF contribution requirement to minor mineral operators, bringing them in line with the contribution framework applicable to iron ore mining.
